New York Safe Boating - 2020 - 5

Boat Classification

Parts of a Boat

Boats are classified based on their length and whether or not
they carry a motor. The classification of the boat determines
what safety equipment you must carry. Your boat's length
will also determine the registration fee.

Hull-the basic structural shell of a boat.
Bow-the forward (front) part of a boat.
Stern-the after (back) part of a boat.
Keel-the backbone of the boat running from the bow to the
stern along the underside of the boat along the center line.
Transom-vertical surface at the back of the stern which
extends across the stern from one side to the other.
Outboard motors are mounted on the transom.
Gunwale-upper edge of a boat's sides (rails).
Bilge-the area beneath the floorboards, or the lowest point
of hull in a boat without floorboards.
Cabin-an enclosed portion of the hull.
Helm-the operating station where the operator controls the
direction and speed of the boat.
Cockpit-a recessed area in the after deck where the
controls of the boat are located.
Rudder-steering device on the stern of the boat.

Boats that move through the water by manual effort or sail-
such as canoes, kayaks, rowboats and sailboats without a
motor onboard-are classified as non-motorized boats. Any
boat equipped with "propulsion machinery"-an inboard
or outboard motor fueled by gasoline, diesel, electricity or
steam - is a motorboat and fits into one of five classes:

	
Less than 16 feet
	
16 feet to less than 26 feet
	
26 feet to less than 40 feet
	
40 feet to 65 feet
	
More than 65 feet

Throttle-a means of controlling the speed of the boat's
engine.
Deck-the name of the floor on a boat.
Propeller-a device with two or more twisted blades that is
designed to move a boat through the water. The propeller is
connected to the engine by a shaft.

Class A
Class 1

Boat Plug-a device used to close the drain hole in the bottom
of the boat.

Class 2

Shear Pin-a steel pin that fits the propeller to the shaft and is
designed to break to protect the propeller.

Class 3
Class 4

Winch-a hand or mechanical device used to pull in a rope or a
chain.
Hatch-an opening in the boat's deck or hull that allows people
or equipment to pass through.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD OPERATOR

Vent-an opening that allows air to pass through the hull.

The first duty of a good operator is the safety of the boat
and its passengers.

Good Operators:

*	 are always in control of their craft and themselves.
*	 know the laws and rules and obey them.
*	 know their job, their boat and its equipment.
*	 continue to improve their seamanship and add to

their boat handling skills.

*	 keep a checklist on safety equipment and goes

over it each time before casting off.

*	 are thoughtful of other boats and people.
*	 are always alert to danger.
*	 do not take chances or run risks.
*	 aids others in danger or distress.
*	 keeps their craft clean and in shape.
*	 keeps a log.

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New York Safe Boating - 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of New York Safe Boating - 2020
